A Bit O' Earth

Throughout the years, there has been much debate over the periodic appearance of floating islands, carried downstream by strong, storm currents. We finally put our hands on one as it came to rest in our end of the cove. With great energy & excitement, we all rushed down to investigate. It actually is a large mat, of naturally woven deciduous leaves, some 5-6 inches+. Tiny plants & trees already grow atop it's composting surface. Freshly conquered by a 9 yr.-old, armed with sticks, she has been christened, "Terra". Even the beaver paused with curiosity, holding his head high above the water, as he passed by. We wait & wonder the fate of the mass, as we watch pieces break off & sink into the miry depths. It hinders our fishing, but it remains a temporary treasure.
I am reminded to work with what God has given us for the time.

Becoming Part of the Forest

I sat this morning, watching the mist rise from the lake to sway across the water. There was what sounded like a gentle gnawing along the shore. I sat motionless, watching in front of me & listening to my left. A bird flew so close that I felt either his wing-tip or the rush of air on my forehead through my beanie cap !!!!
Movement caught my eye & I peered out to see a water fowl emerge from beneath the overhanging maple. On previous mornings, I thought it to be the green heron making his autumn stop-over. Today I realized it is a wood duck, doing the same. He simply floated before me, some way out. The day grew lighter & Juliette joined me, standing in front of me, parallel with the shore. Warming my hands in the multiple layers of skin & fur beneath her chin, I reached for the camera. Hoping there was enough light along the banks, I zoomed in on the duck. It pays to be aware of what is around the lens, for a silver shimmer moved the otherwise calm surface. Having just rounded the bend, a beaver surfaced & I with my camera held in ready!!!


I had no time for adjustments or zooming. He was coming fast & I simply captured what I could. He was swimming high, with both back & tail exposed as he skimmed along. Perhaps you can make out the tail in this last image...After I took it, I watched with my naked eye as he traveled ever closer towards me. He turned towards his burrow, arched his back & disappeared into the main entrance. He was so close, I could see individual hairs on his side, as well as make out the different shades in his rich, chocolatey, wet fur !!!


Returning home, I excitedly woke my husband. I told him of the bird skimming me & the beaver swimming towards me in the light. He simply smiled & replied,
"Ah ! So you are becoming a part of the forest now!"